Imagine a Napa where a morning stroll for a cup of coffee, a quick drive to a meeting downtown or a shopping trip to a local store also means a deep, rich, engaging arts experience.

One way to create such an experience is to grace our city with something that will enrich the lives of everyone who works or lives here: public art.

Rather than more plain, drab, gray cement structures, this city needs and deserves more color, excitement and inspiration. Public art can generate just that.

For the first time in two decades, the city of Napa is announcing a call for a qualified artist to provide a public art work on the parking structure under construction in downtown Napa at Fifth and Main streets. The city’s Redevelopment Agency is creating a “Request for Qualifications” process for artists who either reside or have their studio in Napa County.

The public art RFQ allows artists to submit a written response that describes their experience and qualifications with public art and outdoor art installations for a selection committee. This committee, including representatives from the city, county and arts community, screens the submittals and selects up to five of the most qualified artists to interview for the project. Based on the interviews and demonstrated qualifications, the committee then selects an artist to prepare the final artwork.

The budget for the project is $25,000. The RFQ will be formally issued on Aug. 31, and the deadline to submit qualifications is Sept. 28. Interested artists may obtain copies of the RFQ on Arts Council Napa Valley’s Web site, www.artscouncilnapavalley.org, the city of Napa’s news site at www.cityofnapanews.com or they may request a copy be mailed by calling the Napa Community Redevelopment Agency at 257-9502.

“We are enthusiastic about this project, and we feel that the process will be very informative,” says Jennifer La Liberté, senior project manager of the Redevelopment Agency. “The city is beginning to work with the Arts Council on a future public art ordinance that may lead the way to more public art opportunities in the city of Napa. The garage public art project will provide us with a better understanding of public art and help us shape the ordinance.”

Public art at its best reflects the local environment, cultural values and artistic vitality of the community in which it is placed. It is much more than art installed in public places. It is art that involves “the public.” Public art will tell our community’s story and reminds residents and visitors of what makes Napa different and special. ACNV is thrilled that this opportunity is available to Napa County artists, and to be working with the City on such an important project.

Michelle Williams is director of the Arts Council of Napa Valley.